Thursday, November 09, 2006

After seven-and-a-half seasons as the head women's tennis coach at Valparaiso University, Tim Maluga announced his resignation on Thursday afternoon.

?It is with a heavy heart that I am choosing to step down at this time," Maluga said. ?I have too many outside commitments that prevent me from giving the program the full attention that it deserves."

Maluga, a three-time Mid-Continent Conference Coach of the Year from 2004-2006, led Valpo to three straight Mid-Continent Conference crowns during that stretch. In addition, he helped lead the Crusaders to two Mid-Con Tournament titles, as well as trips to the NCAA Tournament each of the last two seasons. Valpo currently has a 30-match conference regular season winning streak dating back to the 2003 season.

?I will take away lots of good memories from the past seven years and I feel good about the shape that I am leaving the program in," Maluga added. ?I'll be their biggest fan for years to come.

During his tenure with the Brown and Gold, Maluga coached two Mid-Con Players of the Year as well as two conference Newcomers of the Year. In addition, 18 of his student-athletes earned All-Conference honors from the league.

?Valparaiso University is very appreciative of Tim for the quality of the program he has built here," director of athletics Mark LaBarbera said. ?He has helped make Valpo one of the premier programs in the Mid-Continent Conference and we wish him the best of luck as he moves on."

A search will begin immediately for Maluga's successor.